Inspired by books, films, and albums that fueled his imagination, Patryk embarked on a journey to explore and photograph sacred places and breathtaking landscapes. Over the years, he has learned valuable lessons about patience, authenticity, and the significance of the people he surrounds himself with. His dedication to honing his craft and sharing his passion promises an exciting future of continued exploration and artistic fulfillment.
My lust for traveling was compounded by my parents and grandparents. I hardly remember any comics or cartoons, but I remember very well the albums and magazines they have bought for me for many years.
One of the albums was like a milestone for me, it was a book about sacred places of the cultures and civilizations living all around the world. I was very fascinated by the mysticism, legends, and beauty of the pictures and sketches in this book. I really wanted to do the same – explore the wonders of our planet and capture them with their unique character.
At this time, I was almost addicted to Tolkien’s “Lord of The Rings” and “Hobbit” books and film adaptations of Peter Jackson. I wanted to be a part of this world and see the world through the lens of fairytales. All these books, films, and albums had a major impact on my present art. Currently, I cannot imagine a different way of living. By visiting wonderful places, photographing sunrises and sunsets, and spending some time in challenging weather conditions, I feel I make my dreams come true and share my artistic side with other people.
As a beginner photographer, a huge turning point happened that paved the path of my photography journey. Switzerland Tourism invited me for a trip – I had already traveled around the south European countries like Greece and Italy but this time it would be an Alpine photography trip, a very different experience.
That was the first time I saw Materhorn – one of the world’s most beautiful mountains – and I totally fell in love with it. Photographing the mountain during sunrise when it literally turned bloody red and then intense orange was an unforgettable moment.
Since 2018 I’ve been cooperating with Switzerland Tourism every year, exploring the most beautiful spots in this magnificent country. Each next cooperation with other tourism boards or brands is a huge honor and motivation.
Another big step in my career was starting to organize photography tours with my friends Julia, Ola, and Bartek. It is so amazing to show the Earth’s beauty to others and photograph it with them, sharing unforgettable moments with people fascinated by the natural wonders the same way we are.
Throughout my years of travel and photography, I have gained a wealth of knowledge that continues to grow. It’s an ongoing, never-ending process. When reflecting on the most valuable lessons I’ve learned, I can distinguish the following ones:
1) The importance of patience always comes to mind. It applies not only to the process of photography or art creation in general but also to capturing specific moments. Sometimes the weather conditions are unfavorable, but it’s crucial not to lose hope when trying to capture a scene you’ve dreamt of. That’s why I often return to certain places multiple times.
Several years ago, I visited a popular spot near the city of Kraków, which offered a breathtaking view of Poland’s oldest monastery, situated on a rocky hill by the Vistula River. This location is renowned for its beauty and the ethereal river of fog that appears in the mornings.
On one occasion, I arrived on a lovely autumn morning, enveloped in fog, although not too dense. While some fellow photographers who were with me decided to leave, I chose to wait. After a few minutes, the fog gradually dissipated, revealing the monastery, seemingly levitating. This photograph went on to win several contests. The moment was truly worth the wait.
2) Many creators often question the significance of their work, thinking they will never achieve fame on social media platforms. This, too, is a valuable lesson: not to rely solely on social media and not to become overwhelmed by it. Create art for the sake of creation, pursue what you truly desire, and give it your all. If you remain authentic, dedicated to your craft, and share your work with others, success will eventually come your way.
3) One of the most crucial aspects of my life, both personally and professionally, is the people I surround myself with. I seek out good-hearted individuals who provide support, assistance, and motivation. We spend time and travel together. Never “sacrifice” your family or friends for any reason. Work hard, but always remember that certain things in life hold more importance than others.
4) Furthermore, a more practical but essential lesson I’ve learned is not to rely solely on weather forecasts or other people’s recommendations. Instead, travel as much as possible and explore new horizons to develop your eye. Not everyone shares the same opinions as you do. What might be unappealing or mundane to some could hold immense beauty for you. Stormy or rainy weather might deter others from taking out their cameras, but for you, it could be an opportunity to capture the photograph of a lifetime.
5) Lastly, don’t lose your passion for creating art, and always stay true to yourself, regardless of the circumstances!
The photograph that received the Best of the Week award was captured during one of my recent journeys to Switzerland. It happened on an incredibly windy day in the Alpstein mountains, in the Appenzell region.
Accompanied by my team, we ascended to the summit of Säntis mountain, the highest point in the Alpstein massif, using a cable car. The gusts of wind were so intense that the cable car itself was visibly swaying. Despite the discomfort caused by the strong and bitterly cold wind, the views from the top were breathtaking. The mountains of the Alpstein massif possessed a distinct and unparalleled charm. However, the wind made it challenging to capture a clear and steady photograph.
Simultaneously, the gale created a captivating and dramatic sky, featuring slender breaks where the sun radiated through. To shield ourselves from the wind and cold, we sought refuge in the upper cable car station. However, every now and then, we braved the elements and rushed out to seize the opportunity to photograph this magnificent scenery. For a mere couple of minutes, the sun burst forth from behind the clouds, conjuring the magical panorama that is evident in the picture.
Fortunately, we had chosen to spend the night in a hotel located atop Säntis, allowing us to pursue the light or at least make an attempt to do so. It turned out to be an extraordinary evening, well worth the battle against the relentless wind. The mountains encircling Säntis are truly awe-inspiring. Regardless of where you point your camera, you’re bound to capture the breathtaking scenery.
The primary reason for choosing this particular composition was the lighting. Despite the challenging task of maintaining stability in the face of strong winds, I tried to capture the scene using my Sigma 70-200 f/2.8 lens, which is quite hefty. I was aware that if I successfully captured the scene, the outcome would be immensely satisfying. In the photograph, you can witness the grandeur of numerous magnificent Swiss mountains, realizing that this shot is merely a fragment of a broader panorama.
The editing process was relatively brief and straightforward. I simply needed to slightly darken the sky, increase the temperature to give a warmer tone and emphasize the shape of the mountains and the play of light. I have a fondness for experimenting with colors, especially when it comes to showcasing captivating cloud formations like the ones present in this photograph.
When editing pictures, I always strive to infuse a part of myself into them, aiming to convey my emotions and feelings through the image. Despite the chilly and blustery nature of this sunset, I felt a warm sense of joy witnessing such incredible beauty. The scene itself resembled a scene straight out of a movie, compelling me to transcend the physical cold and transform the picture into a warmer, more enchanting scene. In doing so, the magical light and the majestic mountains took center stage, creating a captivating visual experience.
Generally, I refrain from using any presets or LUTs when editing my landscape pictures. Instead, I approach each image individually, investing my heartfelt passion and artistic vision into them. My editing process takes place in Lightroom and Photoshop, where I naturally discover new techniques that can enhance my photographs.
In this particular case, I initiated the foundational editing steps in Lightroom. Although I could have also utilized the Photoshop Camera Raw plugin, I find it more convenient to select and make initial edits to my images within Lightroom.
Due to the strong wind during the shoot, I hesitated to attach graduated ND filters on-site, a practice I typically employ. Consequently, I opted to darken the sky during the editing process in Lightroom. Following these fundamental adjustments, I delved into playing with the curves to accentuate the contrast and bring forth the stunning light beams. Finally, I concluded by infusing warmth into the colors. By customizing each edit and implementing these techniques, I aim to craft unique and visually captivating landscape photographs.
Aside from my editing approach, I implement the following aspects to create appealing landscape images:
1) A vital element is a well-executed composition. Throughout the ages, this principle has remained one of the paramount aspects of visual arts. It is crucial to captivate the viewer’s attention by highlighting a primary subject or a collection of objects, natural phenomena, and more, enticing them to pause and delve deeper into the intricate details.
2) I have a fondness for leading lines or central compositions that incorporate intriguing focal points within the heart of the image. Additionally, the role of light cannot be understated. While capturing the mesmerizing golden light may be captivating, it is essential to recognize that creating a spectacular image is not solely dependent on this particular lighting condition. Even during nighttime or in the subdued illumination of dawn and dusk, one can capture an astonishing shot by skillfully incorporating light into the composition.
3) The moment and location hold immense significance. It is crucial never to cease contemplating the composition and constantly survey the surroundings to identify the optimal perspective. Strive to construct your original visual narrative and discover a distinctive angle to photograph even the most extensively captured landmark or object. It is essential to persist in your endeavors, for a magnificent moment may unexpectedly unfold when you least expect it, and it would be regrettable to miss such an opportunity by stowing away your camera. Instead, maintain focus on nurturing your creativity and embracing your uniqueness.
I am primarily a landscape and architecture photographer, and while my social media accounts mostly showcase my landscape pictures, cities hold a special place in my heart and I enjoy being creative in that scene too. Since 2019, I have been captivated by the art of capturing cities at night. I find immense joy in experiencing their unique ambiance, tranquility, and serenity. There is something magical about the moments when a city slows down, allowing you to encounter the echoes of its past, particularly within its historic architecture. Among the cities that hold a special allure for me are Prague, Vilnius, Kyiv, and Lucerne. This ongoing and long-term project of photographing cities at night is dear to me.
However, I also venture out to explore and photograph the beauty of Switzerland and other parts of the world, which I intend to incorporate into a future project.
In these projects, my aim is to not only share the marvels of these locations but also convey the emotions they evoke within me. I combine the photographs with poems I write, drawing inspiration from these captivating places and their inherent beauty. Both of these projects have instilled in me the virtues of patience and meticulousness. If I wish for these endeavors to be executed to the best of my abilities, I must wholeheartedly commit myself to the pursuit of achieving the desired outcome. I hope that, in a few years, the results will be immensely satisfying, fulfilling the vision I hold for these projects.
In a decade, I desire to find myself precisely where I am at this very moment. I yearn to continue exploring our planet, venturing into lesser-known or more challenging-to-reach destinations. Furthermore, I aspire to persistently share my art—both visually and poetically—and to experience profound happiness, as it remains the ultimate objective of my life.
To accomplish even more, I must persistently dedicate myself to honing my photography skills and never allow myself to stagnate. It is my desire to continue revealing the Earth’s beauty to others, sharing my ardor for marveling at its wonders, and capturing extraordinary moments during photography excursions and workshops with fellow enthusiasts. This has always been a lifelong ambition of mine. Witnessing how, through unwavering diligence, one’s dreams manifest into reality is an indescribable sensation. I truly hope that this cycle of fulfillment will endure ceaselessly!
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